I read recently that when asked how often Christians had shared their faith in the past year, 95% of the respondents replied they had not shared their faith! Not even once. Really? Can that possibly be true? I have asked audiences around the country that same question, and received with few exceptions, the same approximate percentage. Sadly, it is not only true, but even more alarming, in some congregations, it has become the acceptable norm. Clearly, the culture of evangelistic fervor and zeal found in the book of Acts, has yet to be restored in too many congregations!
So, on the face of it, this simple fact explains why most congregations are not growing. Haggai asked a very good question, “Is the seed yet in the barn” (Haggai 2:19)? In most cases today, the answer is “yes.” Obviously, we can’t sow the seed, if we keep it to ourselves! And if we sow sparingly, we cannot expect to have a bountiful harvest (2 Cor. 9:6)!
The major problem is the seed is not being sown regularly by most Christians. Many churches are asking the question: “Why aren’t we growing?” Their answer is often to fire the existing preacher and hire a “go-getter.” Certainly a minister who is “soul concerned” can help. But instead of just complaining about not growing, each member must be convicted in his or her heart to be a part of the solution.
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX